Kenmore Dryer
by Kenmore
24 endorsements on r/BuyItForLife first recommended in Jan 2025
Older-generation Kenmore electric clothes dryer with a top-access lint trap and simple mechanical controls.
Added Jul 5, 2026, Updated Jul 6, 2026
Why it's buy-it-for-life
Owners describe running the same Kenmore dryer for years, with occasional failures fixed at home using a $3 part and about 45 minutes of work, thanks to a simple design with little to go wrong. 1970s-era 'Lady Kenmore' units are reported still running after 50+ years, sometimes with only occasional part swaps.
What redditors say
Recommended on reddit as recently as March 2026
Show 21 more mentions
- 7r/BuyItForLife comment
My Kenmore is 22 years old. I had to replace the belt a few years back, but that's it.
- 6r/BuyItForLife comment
I finally had to replace the washer & dryer in 2023
- 6r/BuyItForLife comment
My folks JUST retired their 1974 mustard yellow Lady Kenmore after 50 years of use. My dad replaced various parts quite a few times but the thing just kept on ticking.
- 6r/BuyItForLife comment
These animals were a whole different beast compared to the dryers of today!
- 5r/BuyItForLife comment
I'm at least the 3rd owner. I will cry when it finally dies for good.
- 5r/BuyItForLife comment
I was lucky enough to inherit an old Kenmore the same way. It was made in 86!!!! And still running like a champ
- 4r/BuyItForLife comment
Own the same! Only default is the dryer still spins if I open the door mid-cycle.
- 4r/BuyItForLife comment
1980s Kenmore dryer... still kicking. 2-3 thermostat + fuse replacements on the dryer (til we learned to have our verrrry loooong dryer vent duct cleaned more frequently).
- 3r/BuyItForLife comment
I bought a Kenmore washer and dryer from Sears back in 2003. I've moved several times, both have had one minor repair each, and both are still going strong.
- 3r/BuyItForLife comment
Mine has a lint trap like that. Worst design I've ever seen.
- 3r/BuyItForLife comment
I'm rocking the same dryer, though my start button has disintegrated, so now I just push the little metal stick
- 3r/BuyItForLife comment
Same one! Got it with the house we bought. Haven't had any issues yet
- 3r/BuyItForLife comment
DIY special, so easy to fix
- 3r/BuyItForLife comment
I have that model, just a little older... I had to replace a belt 15 years ago.
- 3r/BuyItForLife comment
I got an older one! Avocado green. Shits a tank. Came with the house. I refuse to replace it till it dies.
- 3r/BuyItForLife comment
i suspect it has a faulty cycle thermostat, so got one for $12 and will be replacing it soon.
- 3r/BuyItForLife comment
One of my petsitting clients has on in Harvest Gold! Works like a charm
- 3r/BuyItForLife comment
I have a Kenmore dryer from 1980s. They never die.
- 1r/BuyItForLife comment
All I want is for someone to produce Kenmore Super Duty washers and dryers exactly like I bought from Sears when I was in college.
- 1r/BuyItForLife comment
We still use the old kenmore dryer, and once every few years it breaks so we go to youtube university, order a $3 part and spend 45 minutes getting it working again.
- 1r/BuyItForLife comment
Kenmore gas dryer from the early 80's.






1974 Lady Kenmore dryer. Still working like a champ!
Kenmore dryer that was manufactured by Whirlpool in 2005. It's still running strong after 20 years... I've never once had an issue with it.
That model was nice because it's easy to work on and parts are cheap & available
They made them to last for forever back in the old days, not like now!!
I had this same exact dryer and had to replace it last week
Im using the same model with the matching washing machine!